Compare costs, NCLEX-PN outcomes, and career paths at Wisconsin's highest-rated practical nursing programs.
A practical nursing diploma from a Wisconsin technical college costs under $7,500 in tuition, while private for-profit programs can exceed $20,000. That gap matters because employers like Advocate Aurora and Marshfield Clinic Health System hire LPNs steadily, making affordability a priority.
The ten programs ranked below, drawn from Wisconsin’s technical colleges and a few private schools, are evaluated on net price, graduate earnings, and licensure pass rates. Wisconsin’s LPN training is concentrated in the public two-year college system, where a one-year diploma qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN and start work in settings from long-term care to hospital floors.
These ten LPN programs concentrate heavily within the Wisconsin Technical College System, with campus-based options spread from Fond du Lac and Cleveland to Eau Claire, Milwaukee, and Madison. Graduation rates shown on each card reflect the college as a whole rather than the LPN cohort alone. The strongest entries combine accessible pricing, solid first-year retention, and clear pathways to an associate degree in nursing.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Moraine Park Technical College | Fond du Lac, WI | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | Students wanting early nursing exit | |
Moraine Park pairs a practical nursing exit point with a full associate degree pathway, so students can sit for licensure early and later continue toward RN. The program is ACEN-accredited and offered at three campuses, blending lab work, classroom instruction, and clinical shifts. Its structure appeals to students who want early workforce entry without closing off future advancement.
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| #2 | Lakeshore Technical College | Cleveland, WI | $10,000/yr (est. net price) | Part-time evening learners | |
Lakeshore offers a part-time evening practical nursing diploma designed for working students, with classes in Cleveland and clinical training at the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Center for Health Care Excellence. The five-term, 31-credit program is ACEN-accredited and includes a bridge option for medical assistants. Its Wisconsin-focused licensure alignment makes it a practical choice for students planning to practice in the state. ACEN accredited
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| #3 | Northcentral Technical College | Wausau, WI | $5,000 – $7,000/yr (est.) | Students planning ADN advancement | |
Northcentral Technical College delivers a 32-33 credit practical nursing diploma with hands-on clinical practice across the lifespan. The campus-based program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN and offers an LPN to ADN bridge for those who want to continue. Its accessible admission process and credit-for-prior-learning options support a range of applicants.
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| #4 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Green Bay, WI | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offers a 34-credit practical nursing diploma at multiple campuses, with full-time and part-time scheduling. The program reports a 97% graduate employment rate and a 92% first-attempt NCLEX-PN pass rate. Credits transfer into the nursing associate degree, and a medical assistant bridge adds flexibility. ACEN accredited
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| #5 | Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton, WI | $5,000 – $7,000/yr (est.) | ||
Fox Valley Technical College runs a full-time practical nursing diploma at its Appleton campus with a selective admission process and a waitlist. The ACEN-accredited program covers health assessment, medication administration, and patient care across populations. It is a high-demand option with a 2.75 minimum high school GPA and an entrance exam requirement. ACEN accredited
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| #6 | Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee, WI | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Milwaukee Area Technical College offers a 32-credit practical nursing diploma in Milwaukee with fall and spring starts, a waiting list, and 60 seats per semester. The program includes both classroom theory and clinical experiences in nursing homes and hospitals. Graduates take the NCLEX-PN and can ladder into the college's registered nursing associate degree. ACEN accredited
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| #7 | Gateway Technical College | Kenosha, WI | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | ||
Gateway Technical College offers a 30-credit practical nursing diploma at its Elkhorn and Racine campuses, with fall, spring, and summer start dates. The program reports a 95% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate and allows credit for prior learning. Graduates can continue seamlessly into the college's nursing associate degree. ACEN accredited
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| #8 | Chippewa Valley Technical College | Eau Claire, WI | $12,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Chippewa Valley Technical College runs a one-year, face-to-face practical nursing diploma at its Eau Claire campus. The program reports a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate, 86% job placement, and average starting earnings around $56,550. Graduates can continue into the associate degree in nursing, with Mayo Clinic named as a key employer partner. ACEN accredited
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| #9 | Western Technical College | La Crosse, WI | $5,000 – $7,000/yr (est.) | ||
Western Technical College prepares practical nursing students through a holistic, patient-centered curriculum grounded in the nursing process. The program is approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing and emphasizes critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based practice across hospital, clinic, long-term care, and home health settings. It also supports transfer into a statewide ADN pathway.
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| #10 | Madison Area Technical College | Madison, WI | $14,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Madison College offers a practical nursing diploma at its Fort Atkinson and Madison campuses, with fall and spring starts and a free application. The 33-credit program includes simulation labs, clinical placements, and a ladder into the associate degree in nursing. It is ACEN-accredited and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. ACEN accredited
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Costs for LPN programs in Wisconsin vary widely, with net prices after aid ranging from $9,112 at Milwaukee Area Technical College to $14,858 at Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa. The net price shown is an institution-wide average, not a program-specific guarantee, but it provides a useful comparison point when combined with other factors. Pell Grant recipient shares, often exceeding 60% at these schools, indicate that many students qualify for federal need-based aid, while median graduate debt figures help gauge potential future obligations.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) | Pell Grant Recipients (%) | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | $5,184 | $7,427 | $9,112 | 80.6% | $14,955 |
| Lakeshore Technical College | $4,844 | $7,087 | $9,653 | 73.8% | $7,000 |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | $4,960 | $7,233 | $9,918 | 73.9% | $11,719 |
| Western Technical College | $4,820 | $7,078 | $11,008 | 66.8% | $11,500 |
| Fox Valley Technical College | $5,040 | $7,283 | $11,407 | 67.4% | $10,402 |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College | $4,844 | $7,087 | $12,285 | 64.0% | $11,432 |
| Gateway Technical College | $4,956 | $7,199 | $12,928 | 75.9% | $12,165 |
| Madison Area Technical College | $4,977 | $7,255 | $14,238 | 66.1% | $14,060 |
| Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa | $20,288 | $20,288 | $14,858 | 86.8% | $21,549 |
Most practical nursing diploma programs in Wisconsin are designed to get you into the workforce quickly. Across the Wisconsin Technical College System, the standard timeline is compact but rigorous, typically fitting into one calendar year.1
Students who enroll full-time and follow the day schedule generally complete the LPN program in 12 months. That includes classroom instruction, skills labs, and supervised clinical rotations. The curriculum totals about 32 credits2, spread across two semesters with a possible summer term. A fall-start cohort, for example, can expect to finish by the following spring or early summer. Chippewa Valley Technical College2 and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College3 both structure their practical nursing diplomas within this one-year framework.
Working adults often need a slower pace. Many WTCS colleges let you stretch the diploma over five semesters part-time3, taking evening or weekend classes. This path can run roughly 18 to 24 months, depending on how many credits you carry each term. Evening and weekend sections are fairly common, especially at larger campuses, so you can keep a job while training.
Several schools also offer multiple start dates each year, including spring or summer entry, which can shorten the wait to begin. Some colleges may offer fastest LPN programs through an accelerated cohort if demand is high, but that varies by campus. Check with the admissions office for current scheduling options.
The number of terms you spend in school directly influences total expenses. A 12-month schedule means you pay for books, supplies, and any per-credit fees in a compact window, but you start earning wages sooner. A longer part-time path spreads costs over more semesters, which can ease monthly budgeting but may increase overall spending due to ongoing fees. Financial aid eligibility can also shift: Pell Grants and state awards are prorated by enrollment intensity, so part-time students often receive proportionally smaller disbursements. Before choosing a pace, talk with the financial aid office to map out your expected costs and aid package.
As nursing shortages sharpen, the licensing exam pass rate has become a non-negotiable quality marker for aspiring LPNs. Wisconsin’s practical nursing programs consistently clear a high bar, and the 2024 numbers reveal several standouts.
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) publishes annual first-time pass rates for every approved LPN program. For the 2024 testing cycle, the following schools posted results that prospective students should review carefully:
A perfect pass rate does not happen by chance. It reflects rigorous preparation, targeted NCLEX-style test practice, and faculty commitment to student success. For the two programs that hit 100%, every graduate who sat for the exam in 2024 passed on the first attempt.
To interpret these results, it helps to step back and look at the broader picture. Across all Wisconsin LPN programs reporting in 2024, the collective first-time pass rate approached 96%. This figure consistently outpaces the national average for NCLEX-PN candidates. In 2024, the national first-time pass rate for US-educated practical nursing graduates hovered around 87%. Wisconsin’s programs, as a group, are performing well above that benchmark.
Even the lowest rate in the list above, Bryant and Stratton’s 85.88%, sits just under the national mark. A rate in the mid-80s is not alarming by national standards, but it does warrant a closer look, especially if you have multiple acceptance offers.
A program’s NCLEX-PN pass rate is one of the most transparent indicators of instructional quality. Here is what it reveals:
When comparing programs, look for pass rates consistently above 90%, and ideally above the state average. A single year of perfect performance is a great sign, but checking results over two or three years can give a more balanced view.
All figures in this section originate from the Wisconsin DSPS, which compiles NCLEX-PN results reported by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). DSPS updates pass rates annually, making it the most reliable source for evaluating how Wisconsin LPN programs perform on the licensing exam.
Getting into a Wisconsin LPN program means meeting a set of academic and non-academic requirements that vary across the state’s technical colleges. Most programs expect a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA, and a passing score on a nursing entrance exam (typically the TEAS). These benchmarks help schools identify students ready for the rigor of practical nursing coursework and clinical training.
The typical Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) LPN program requires a high school diploma or GED and a minimum cumulative GPA. At Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) the GPA floor is 2.51; Gateway Technical College asks for 2.64, while Fox Valley Technical College sets a higher bar at 2.8. Entrance exam scores are equally important. MATC requires a TEAS score of 58.7% or higher1, and applicants may take the test up to three times to reach that threshold.1 Other schools accept alternative exams: Fox Valley Technical College considers ACT scores, and Madison College accepts HESI or ACT results. Some programs also impose recency limits on qualifying coursework: at MATC, prerequisite science courses must have been completed within the last five years.1
Not all Wisconsin LPN programs use the same selection model. Many WTCS campuses operate on a waitlist system: once you meet the minimum qualifications, you are placed on a list and offered a seat when one becomes available. MATC1 and Moraine Park Technical College3 both use this approach. MATC, for example, fills 60 seats each semester from its waitlist.1 Other programs may admit students competitively based on GPA and test scores, meaning a stronger application moves you up the queue. Because clinical placements are limited, even open-enrollment colleges often have more qualified applicants than spots, so applying early and aiming higher than the minimum requirements is a smart move.
If your GPA falls short, several strategies can strengthen your application. Retaking the TEAS or a similar entrance exam is a direct way to offset a lower GPA: MATC allows three attempts, and a higher score demonstrates academic readiness. Repeating prerequisite courses like anatomy or biology to earn a better grade can also raise your overall GPA. Some students complete general education requirements first to show they can handle college-level work before entering the nursing program. Additionally, consider schools with slightly lower GPA minimums, such as Northcentral Technical College (2.5)2, or explore bridge programs for medical assistants that may have different entry points.
Most Wisconsin LPN programs require specific prerequisite courses, typically one semester of anatomy and physiology with a lab, often with a grade of B or better (MATC mandates a B- in anatomy1). Other common prerequisites include biology, math, and sometimes chemistry or medical terminology. Beyond academics, all programs require a criminal background check and up-to-date immunization records. Northcentral Technical College2, Moraine Park Technical College3, and Gateway Technical College4 all list these as mandatory. Health requirements generally include proof of MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, and tetanus vaccinations, plus a recent TB test and annual flu shot. Some clinical sites may also require drug screening. These non-academic components are just as critical as test scores: a missed clearance can delay or cancel your start date.
On-campus LPN programs offer face-to-face instruction and immediate access to lab equipment, while online-friendly options promise flexibility for working students. Understanding what 'online' really means in nursing education is critical before you enroll.
There are no fully online LPN programs in Wisconsin, and for good reason: the state requires all practical nursing students to complete supervised clinical rotations in real healthcare settings. These hands-on hours, typically around 400-500, cannot be replicated virtually. When you see 'online LPN programs' advertised, it almost always refers to a hybrid model, not a 100% online path. Setting this expectation early will save you time and help you focus on programs that actually lead to licensure.
A hybrid LPN program splits the curriculum into two parts: didactic coursework delivered online, and in-person skills labs and clinical rotations. Among Wisconsin schools, Rasmussen University’s Green Bay campus offers a Practical Nursing Diploma with a hybrid format that combines self-paced online classes with on-campus labs and clinical experiences. Most other programs on our list remain campus-based, though some may incorporate a few online assignments into otherwise traditional schedules. If you are considering a hybrid option, verify exactly how much of the program is online and where clinical sites are located.
Hybrid study works best if you have strong time management and reliable internet access. It can make balancing work or family easier, but you’ll still need to be physically present for labs and clinicals, often weekly or in intensive weekend sessions. If a fully structured classroom environment suits you better, a traditional campus program may be the safer choice. Either way, the endpoint is the same: eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN and begin work as a licensed practical nurse.
What does a licensed practical nurse earn in Wisconsin right now? The average (mean) annual wage for LPNs in the state sits at $61,040, based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2024. This lands just below the national median of $62,340, but the full earning picture is more nuanced, where you work, your experience, and your practice setting all shift the numbers substantially.
The BLS also offers a window into the low and high ends of the pay scale for Wisconsin LPNs. In 2024, the statewide 10th percentile annual wage was $50,560 ($24.31/hour), meaning 10% of LPNs earned at or below this threshold. At the opposite end, the 90th percentile reached $74,880 ($36.00/hour). For comparison, national percentiles from the prior year (2023) showed a 10th percentile of $45,670, a 25th percentile of $50,640, a median of $59,730, a 75th percentile of $67,140, and a 90th percentile of $77,870. Wisconsin’s floor is notably higher, while the ceiling sits a bit lower, suggesting a more compressed, but solid, earning band.
Pay varies considerably by location across Wisconsin. While the BLS does not publish city-level medians for every metro area, LPNs in larger healthcare hubs typically command higher rates. In the Milwaukee-Waukesha area, salaries often run $3,000 to $5,000 above the state mean, thanks to a dense concentration of hospitals and specialty clinics. Madison, with its mix of academic medical centers and private practices, sees similar upward pressure. Green Bay and the Fox Cities region offer competitive pay, though generally a notch below Milwaukee. In rural and northern counties, wages more frequently cluster near the statewide 10th percentile, in the low $50,000s, but the lower cost of living in those areas can offset the difference.
Nationally, LPN employment is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034. Wisconsin-specific projections are less precise, but the state’s aging population keeps demand steady, particularly in long-term care, home health, and outpatient clinics. Three of the largest employers of LPNs in Wisconsin are Advocate Aurora Health, Marshfield Clinic Health System, and SSM Health. Each operates dozens of sites, from urban hospitals to rural clinics, and frequently lists LPN openings in medical-surgical, primary care, and skilled nursing settings. Home health agencies and county-run nursing homes also provide a significant share of jobs. New graduates who are flexible about shift and location often find multiple offers, especially in regions with fewer nursing professionals.
LPN earnings can differ by thousands of dollars depending on where you work in Wisconsin. Use this chart to compare median annual wages across major metro areas and see how they stack up against the statewide and national medians.
Practical nurses who want to expand their scope and earning potential can move into registered nursing through structured bridge programs. Wisconsin’s technical college system and a handful of private universities have designed pathways that respect the education and clinical experience LPNs already bring.
Within the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), LPN-to-ADN bridge tracks are built on articulation agreements that award advanced standing for prior nursing coursework and licensure. Instead of starting an associate degree in nursing from scratch, qualified LPNs enter the program at an accelerated point. Gateway Technical College, for instance, admits bridge students directly into the third semester of its ADN sequence.1 Waukesha County Technical College follows a personalized progression model that minimizes repetition of content already mastered during LPN training.2 Moraine Park Technical College offers a designated LPN to ADN Bridge Track leading to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.3
Several additional WTCS colleges provide LPN-to-ADN pathways, each with its own admission criteria and credit-granting policies.4 These include: - Lakeshore Technical College - Mid-State Technical College - Northcentral Technical College - Northwood Technical College - Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
All of these programs evaluate an applicant’s practical nursing transcript and current LPN license to determine exactly which credits transfer and how much time can be shaved off the traditional two-year ADN timeline.
The most tangible benefit of a bridge program is the shortened path to the NCLEX-RN. Most bridge students save at least one full semester of coursework, and some may advance through a year’s worth of credits depending on transfer evaluation. This compressed schedule means lower total tuition and a faster return to the workforce as a registered nurse, where Wisconsin RNs earn a median wage notably higher than their LPN counterparts.
For LPNs aiming directly for a bachelor’s degree, Herzing University operates an LPN-to-BSN pathway with Wisconsin campuses in Brookfield, Kenosha, and Madison.4 The program is designed to accept LPN credentials and weave them into a baccalaureate nursing curriculum, preparing graduates for RN licensure and broader career opportunities in leadership, community health, or graduate study. While not part of the WTCS network, Herzing’s model fills a gap for nurses seeking a university-based bridge without first earning an ADN.
This FAQ addresses common questions about LPN programs in Wisconsin, summarizing key details from program costs and salaries to licensure and academic requirements. Use these concise answers to quickly navigate your nursing education journey.
